Jessamy Kelly

Designer

Jessamy Kelly is a talented designer and artisan, her practice is based on the handcrafted sensitivity of glass making combined with extensive industrial experience. In 2009, she completed a practice-based Ph.D. in Glass and Ceramics at the University of Sunderland. She has been a Lecturer in Glass within the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art since 2012.

Jessamy’s knowledge of industrial glass design and manufacture has established her as a specialist in the field. Her clients include Edinburgh Crystal and Kevin McCloud’s homeware brand ‘Place’, GP Wolffe, Juo Ltd and Cumbria Crystal. As a glass design consultant Jessamy works closely with her clients, she utilises her specialist glass design skills and knowledge of manufacturing. Clients benefit from her expertise in sampling, trend analysis, product development, supplier liaison and attention to detail.

In June 2001, Jessamy gained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Glass and Ceramics at the University of Sunderland and went on to study towards her Master of design degree at Edinburgh College of Art, which she completed In January 2002. This involved an Industrial placement at Edinburgh Crystal as a student glass designer and apprentice. The placement was in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art and contributed towards her Master’s Degree in ‘Glass Product Design’. Here she had the creative freedom to research and develop ideas within Edinburgh Crystal’s production facilities, allowing a creative and experimental approach within a commercial environment, whilst acquiring the traditional techniques of glass cutting and engraving. Jessamy worked as an in-house designer for Edinburgh Crystal until July 2006, when she decided to focus completely on her own studio work and design business.